PRESS RELEASE
by BNFA Executive Committee
The African Commission for Human and Peoples Rights has made a decision on admissibility in the matter of the Ngambela of Barotseland and Others versus the Republic of Zambia. In a letter addressed to Mr. Clement Wainyae Sinyinda in his capacity as Chairman-General of the Barotse National Freedom Alliance (BNFA), the Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Mary Maboreke, has indicated that the detailed decision of the Commission passed at its 18th Extra Ordinary Session held in Nairobi from 29th July to 7th August 2015 will be communicated to the parties after presentation to the Heads of States Summit of the African Union. This is in accordance with Article 59 of the African Charter and Rule 107 of the Commission, which provide that the decisions of the Commission on admissibility of communications be laid before the meeting of Heads of State and Government for endorsement before publication The letter to Mr. Sinyinda reads in part, “I write to notify you that a decision on admissibility of Communication 429/12—The Ngambela of Barotseland and Others v The Republic of Zambia was adopted by the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights (the Commission) during its 18th Extra-Ordinary Session, held in Nairobi, Kenya, from 29 July to 7August 2015.” According to experts, should the Communication have succeeded on Admissibility, the next stage is for the case to be decided on its merits against the evidence that has been submitted and that, where/if necessary, additional evidence may be solicited. The BNFA, on behalf of civil society organisations in Barotseland and the Barotse people, is elated by this development—particularly considering the Zambian government’s manoeuvrings to delay and/or derail the Banjul process. The BNFA has faith in the neutrality of the Commission and believes very strongly that the evidence it placed before it is both extensive and solid enough to succeed in any process that will decide this matter on the basis of its merits. The BNFA, therefore, awaits the next communication from the Commission with eager and positive anticipation, in the hope that each step that passes brings Barotseland closer and closer to its long-awaited and strongly-deserved statehood.